Nepal Women vs UAE Women: A Historic Win in the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2024
Introduction
The Nepal Women’s Cricket Team made history on July 19, 2024, by defeating the UAE Women’s Team in the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2024. This landmark win, achieved at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka, marked Nepal’s first-ever victory in the Asia Cup, a testament to their growing prowess in women's cricket.
With standout performances from players like Samjhana Khadka and Indu Barma, the match became a turning point in Nepal’s cricket history and served as an inspiring moment for cricket fans across South Asia.
Match Summary
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Match: Nepal Women vs UAE Women
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Date: July 19, 2024
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Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Sri Lanka
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Format: Women’s T20 International (WT20I)
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Result: Nepal Women won by 6 wickets
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Player of the Match: Samjhana Khadka (Nepal)
First Innings: UAE Women – 115/8 in 20 Overs
Top Performers with the Bat
UAE Women won the toss and elected to bat first. Despite a promising start, the team struggled to maintain momentum due to disciplined bowling by the Nepalese side.
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Khushi Sharma anchored the innings with a composed 36 off 39 balls, including 2 boundaries.
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Kavisha Egodage, one of UAE’s most experienced players, added 22 off 26 deliveries.
However, the middle and lower order could not capitalize on this foundation, resulting in a modest total of 115 runs for 8 wickets.
Nepal’s Bowling Dominance
Nepal’s bowling was clinical, with tight lines and variations that restricted run-scoring opportunities.
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Indu Barma stood out with 3 wickets for 19 runs in her 4-over spell.
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Sabnam Rai and Kritika Marasini contributed with 1 wicket each, maintaining pressure through economical spells.
UAE struggled particularly during the final overs, losing key wickets and managing just 29 runs in the last 5 overs.
Second Innings: Nepal Women – 118/4 in 16.1 Overs
Samjhana Khadka: A Star Is Born
Chasing a target of 116, Nepal’s opener Samjhana Khadka played one of the most memorable knocks in her career and in the history of Nepal women’s cricket.
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72 runs off just 45 balls*
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11 boundaries
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A strike rate of 160.00
Khadka’s fearless and elegant strokeplay dismantled UAE’s bowling attack and anchored Nepal’s innings until the end.
Supporting Contributions
Though wickets fell at the other end, contributions from Puja Mahato (7)* and others helped maintain the required run rate. Nepal chased down the target in 16.1 overs, with 23 balls to spare.
UAE Women Bowling Highlights
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Kavisha Egodage tried to change the tide with a brilliant bowling performance, claiming 3 wickets for just 12 runs in her 4 overs.
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Lavanya Keny also impressed, taking 1 wicket in her single over.
However, Khadka's dominance made it impossible for UAE to contain the chase, despite their best efforts.
Key Statistics of the Match
| Category | Nepal Women | UAE Women |
|---|---|---|
| Top Scorer | Samjhana Khadka (72*) | Khushi Sharma (36) |
| Top Wicket Taker | Indu Barma (3/19) | Kavisha Egodage (3/12) |
| Total Runs Scored | 118/4 (16.1 overs) | 115/8 (20 overs) |
| Match Result | Won by 6 wickets | — |
Why This Win Matters for Nepal
This win is more than just a scorecard victory—it’s a milestone for Nepal’s cricket history, particularly in women's sports.
1. First Win in Women’s Asia Cup
Nepal’s previous Asia Cup campaigns ended without victories. This match marked their first win in the prestigious tournament, showcasing their progress and potential on the international stage.
2. Boost in Morale and Visibility
The performance elevated the profile of women's cricket in Nepal, encouraging more participation, media coverage, and possibly increased investment from sponsors and governing bodies.
3. Rise of Future Stars
Samjhana Khadka’s performance places her among the rising stars of Asian cricket. Her talent, coupled with players like Indu Barma, reflects a promising future for Nepalese women's cricket.
Reactions and Celebrations
Fans and Media Response
The victory was celebrated widely on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Fans hailed the performance as historic and lauded the team's efforts.
Cricket Experts’ Take
Experts from Nepal and abroad acknowledged the tactical discipline and courage shown by Nepal. Several former cricketers praised the team’s growth and strategic maturity.
What’s Next for Nepal and UAE in Asia Cup 2024
Nepal’s Upcoming Fixtures
With this strong start, Nepal now faces tougher opponents in the group stage. The team will look to maintain its form and aim for a place in the semifinals for the first time.
UAE’s Road Ahead
UAE Women will need to regroup quickly and address their middle-order issues. Despite the loss, their bowling unit, led by Egodage, remains a strength.
Conclusion
The Nepal Women vs UAE Women match in the 2024 Women’s T20 Asia Cup will be remembered as a historic turning point for Nepalese cricket. With a dominant performance by Samjhana Khadka and sharp bowling by Indu Barma, Nepal not only secured their first win in Asia Cup history but also inspired a new generation of young female cricketers.
This win underscores the potential of associate nations in women’s cricket and calls attention to the need for greater support and recognition. As the tournament continues, all eyes will be on Nepal as they seek to build on this momentum and make deeper strides into Asian cricket's elite.
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